Method and system for using subjects in instant messaging sessions on a mobile device

TECHNICAL FIELD

p-0002The following relates to systems and methods for using topics in instant messaging sessions on a mobile device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

p-0003Mobile devices that are capable of sending and receiving data such as emails and text messages may also be used for instant messaging. Instant messaging sessions or ‘conversations’ are typically stored on the mobile device as a collective series of exchanged messages so that the user can later continue the session and/or review the history of the conversation.

p-0004In current instant messaging applications, each conversation is displayed on the mobile device with the most recent message appearing as the title of the conversation. Since each conversation can contain many messages covering various topics, the most recent message is not necessarily representative of the conversation or any topic covered therein. For example, the last message may read “I will talk to you tomorrow”, which may in fact be a closing message for several conversations with the same contact.

p-0005In order to differentiate between conversations, especially those from several days prior, users often have to trace back through individual messages. On a mobile device, where the display area is typically limited, this can be time consuming and frustrating. In order to find the right conversation, the user also typically has to remember the parties involved and the approximate time of the message exchange in order to search through the correct reference to find the conversation of interest, which can be a lot to remember.

p-0006It is therefore an object of the following to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above disadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0007Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the appended drawings wherein:

p-0008<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic diagram of a mobile device and a display screen therefor.

p-0009<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a schematic diagram of another mobile device and a display screen therefor.

p-0010<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic block diagram of components of the mobile device of any or both of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>.

p-0011<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a schematic block diagram of the memory shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>.

p-0012<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a screen shot of a home screen for the mobile device of any or both of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>.

p-0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a system diagram showing an infrastructure for implementing an instant messaging protocol.

p-0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a schematic block diagram showing details of the instant messaging program shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a schematic block diagram of an instant messaging thread shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>.

p-0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a schematic block diagram of a message shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

p-0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a block diagram illustrating preparation, transmission, receipt and examination of an instant message.

p-0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a flow diagram illustrating the preparation, transmission, receipt and examination shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

p-0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a screen shot of the home screen for an instant messaging application.

p-0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a screen shot showing a menu accessible from the instant messaging application of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>.

p-0021<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14(</figref><i>a</i>) through <b>14</b>(<i>j</i>) are a series of screen shots showing an instant messaging session identifying subjects therefor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example Mobile Device

p-0022Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, one embodiment of a mobile device <b>24</b><i>a </i>is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and another embodiment of a mobile device <b>24</b><i>b </i>is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. It will be appreciated that the numeral “<b>24</b>” will hereinafter refer to any mobile device <b>24</b>, including the embodiments <b>24</b><i>a </i>and <b>24</b><i>b</i>. It will also be appreciated that a similar numbering convention may be used for other general features common between <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> such as a display <b>120</b>, a positioning device <b>122</b>, and a cancel or escape button <b>124</b>.

p-0023The mobile device <b>24</b><i>a </i>shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> comprises a display <b>120</b><i>a </i>and the cursor or view positioning device <b>122</b> shown in this embodiment is a positioning wheel <b>122</b><i>a</i>. Positioning device <b>122</b> may serve as another input member and is both rotatable to provide selection inputs to the processor <b>238</b> (see <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) and can also be pressed in a direction generally toward housing to provide another selection input to the processor <b>238</b>. The display <b>120</b> may include a selection cursor <b>132</b> (see <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) that depicts generally where the next input or selection will be received. The selection cursor <b>132</b> may comprise a box, alteration of an icon or any combination of features that enable the user to identify the currently chosen icon or item. The mobile device <b>24</b><i>a </i>in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> also comprises an escape or cancel button <b>124</b><i>a </i>and a keyboard <b>128</b>. In this example, the keyboard <b>128</b> is disposed on the front face of the mobile device housing and positioning device <b>122</b> and cancel button <b>124</b><i>a </i>are disposed at the side of the housing to enable a user to manoeuvre the scroll wheel <b>122</b><i>a </i>while holding the mobile device <b>24</b> in one hand. The keyboard <b>128</b> is in this embodiment a standard QWERTY keyboard.

p-0024The mobile device <b>24</b><i>b </i>shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> comprises a display <b>120</b><i>b </i>and the positioning device <b>122</b> in this embodiment is a trackball <b>122</b><i>b</i>. Trackball <b>122</b><i>b </i>permits multi-directional positioning of the selection cursor <b>132</b> such that the selection cursor <b>132</b> can be moved in an upward direction, in a downward direction and, if desired and/or permitted, in any diagonal direction. The trackball <b>122</b><i>b </i>is preferably situated on the front face of a housing for mobile device <b>24</b><i>b </i>as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> to enable a user to manoeuvre the trackball <b>122</b><i>b </i>while holding the mobile device <b>24</b><i>b </i>in one hand. The trackball <b>122</b><i>b </i>may serve as another input member (in addition to a directional or positioning member) to provide selection inputs to the processor <b>238</b> and can preferably be pressed in a direction towards the housing of the mobile device <b>24</b><i>b </i>to provide such a selection input.

p-0025The mobile device <b>24</b><i>b </i>also comprises a menu or option button <b>126</b> that loads a menu or list of options on display <b>120</b><i>b </i>when pressed, and a cancel or escape button <b>124</b><i>b </i>to exit, “go back” or otherwise escape from a feature, option, selection or display. The mobile device <b>24</b><i>b </i>as illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, comprises a reduced QWERTY keyboard <b>130</b>. In this embodiment, the keyboard <b>130</b>, positioning device <b>122</b>, escape button <b>124</b><i>b </i>and menu button <b>126</b> are disposed on a front face of a mobile device housing.

p-0026The reduced QWERTY keyboard <b>130</b> comprises a plurality of multi-functional keys and corresponding indicia including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to a QWERTY array of letters A to Z and an overlaid numeric phone key arrangement. The plurality of keys that comprise alphabetic and/or numeric characters total fewer than twenty-six (26). In the embodiment shown, the number of keys that comprise alphabetic and numeric characters is fourteen (14). In this embodiment, the total number of keys, including other functional keys, is twenty (20). The plurality of keys may comprise four rows and five columns of keys, with the four rows comprising in order a first, second, third and fourth row, and the five columns comprising in order a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth column. The QWERTY array of letters is associated with three of the four rows and the numeric phone key arrangement is associated with each of the four rows.

p-0027The numeric phone key arrangement is associated with three of the five columns. Specifically, the numeric phone key arrangement may be associated with the second, third and fourth columns. The numeric phone key arrangement may alternatively be associated with keys in the first, second, third, and fourth rows, with keys in the first row including a number “1” in the second column, a number “2” in the third column, and a number “3” in the fourth column. The numeric phone keys associated with keys in the second row include a number “4” in the second column, a number “5” in the third column, and a number “6” in the fourth column. The numeric phone keys associated with keys in the third row include a number “7” in the second column, a number “8” in the third column, and a number “9” in the fourth column. The numeric phone keys associated with keys in the fourth row may include a “*” in the second column, a number “0” in the third column, and a “#” in the fourth column.

p-0028The physical keyboard may also include a function associated with at least one of the plurality of keys. The fourth row of keys may include an “alt” function in the first column, a “next” function in the second column, a “space” function in the third column, a “shift” function in the fourth column, and a “return/enter” function in the fifth column.

p-0029The first row of five keys may comprise keys corresponding in order to letters “QW”, “ER”, “TY”, “UI”, and “OP”. The second row of five keys may comprise keys corresponding in order to letters “AS”, “DF”, “GH”, “JK”, and “L”. The third row of five keys may comprise keys corresponding in order to letters “ZX”, “CV”, “BN”, and “M”.

p-0030It will be appreciated that for the mobile device <b>24</b>, a wide range of one or more positioning or cursor/view positioning mechanisms such as a touch pad, a joystick button, a mouse, a touchscreen, set of arrow keys, a tablet, an accelerometer (for sensing orientation and/or movements of the mobile device <b>24</b> etc.), or other whether presently known or unknown may be employed. Similarly, any variation of keyboard <b>128</b>, <b>130</b> may be used. It will also be appreciated that the mobile devices <b>24</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> are for illustrative purposes only and various other mobile devices <b>24</b>, presently known or unknown are equally applicable to the following examples.

p-0031<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a detailed block diagram of a preferred mobile station <b>202</b> of the present disclosure. The term “mobile station” will herein refer to the operable components of, e.g. mobile device <b>24</b>. Mobile station <b>202</b> is preferably a two-way communication device having at least voice and advanced data communication capabilities, including the capability to communicate with other computer systems. Depending on the functionality provided by mobile station <b>202</b>, it may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device (with or without telephony capabilities)—e.g. mobile device <b>24</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>. Mobile station <b>202</b> may communicate with any one of a plurality of fixed transceiver stations <b>200</b> within its geographic coverage area.

p-0032Mobile station <b>202</b> will normally incorporate a communication subsystem <b>211</b> which includes a receiver <b>212</b>, a transmitter <b>214</b>, and associated components such as one or more (preferably embedded or internal) antenna elements <b>216</b> and <b>218</b>, local oscillators (LOs) <b>213</b>, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) <b>220</b>. As will be apparent to those skilled in field of communications, particular design of communication subsystem <b>211</b> depends on the communication network in which mobile station <b>202</b> is intended to operate.

p-0033Mobile station <b>202</b> may send and receive communication signals over a network after required network registration or activation procedures have been completed. Signals received by antenna <b>216</b> through the network are input to receiver <b>212</b>, which may perform such common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, and like, and in example shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signal allows more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in DSP <b>220</b>. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, for example, by DSP <b>220</b>. These DSP-processed signals are input to transmitter <b>214</b> for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over communication network via antenna <b>218</b>. DSP <b>220</b> not only processes communication signals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to communication signals in receiver <b>212</b> and transmitter <b>214</b> may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in DSP <b>220</b>.

p-0034Network access is associated with a subscriber or user of mobile station <b>202</b>. In one embodiment, mobile station <b>202</b> uses a Subscriber Identity Module or “SIM” card <b>262</b> to be inserted in a SIM interface <b>264</b> in order to operate in the network. SIM <b>262</b> is one type of a conventional “smart card” used to identify an end user (or subscriber) of the mobile station <b>202</b> and to personalize the device, among other things. Without SIM <b>262</b>, the mobile station terminal in such an embodiment is not fully operational for communication through a wireless network. By inserting SIM <b>262</b> into mobile station <b>202</b>, an end user can have access to any and all of his/her subscribed services. SIM <b>262</b> generally includes a processor and memory for storing information. Since SIM <b>262</b> is coupled to a SIM interface <b>264</b>, it is coupled to microprocessor <b>238</b> through communication lines. In order to identify the subscriber, SIM <b>262</b> contains some user parameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). An advantage of using SIM <b>262</b> is that end users are not necessarily bound by any single physical mobile station. SIM <b>262</b> may store additional user information for the mobile station as well, including datebook (or calendar) information and recent call information. It will be appreciated that mobile station <b>202</b> may also be used with any other type of network compatible mobile device <b>24</b> such as those being code division multiple access (CDMA) enabled and should not be limited to those using and/or having a SIM card <b>262</b>.

p-0035Mobile station <b>202</b> is a battery-powered device so it also includes a battery interface <b>254</b> for receiving one or more rechargeable batteries <b>256</b>. Such a battery <b>256</b> provides electrical power to most if not all electrical circuitry in mobile station <b>202</b>, and battery interface <b>254</b> provides for a mechanical and electrical connection for it. The battery interface <b>254</b> is coupled to a regulator (not shown) which provides a regulated voltage V to all of the circuitry.

p-0036Mobile station <b>202</b> includes a microprocessor <b>238</b> which controls overall operation of mobile station <b>202</b>. Communication functions, including at least data and voice communications are performed through communication subsystem <b>211</b>. Microprocessor <b>238</b> also interacts with additional device subsystems such as a display <b>222</b>, a flash memory <b>224</b>, a random access memory (RAM) <b>226</b>, auxiliary input/output subsystems <b>228</b>, a serial port <b>230</b>, a keyboard <b>232</b>, a speaker <b>234</b>, a microphone <b>236</b>, a short-range communications subsystem <b>240</b>, and any other device subsystems generally designated at <b>242</b>. Some of the subsystems shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems such as keyboard <b>232</b> and display <b>222</b>, for example, may be used for both communication-related functions, such as entering a text message for transmission over a communication network, and device-resident functions such as a calculator or task list. Operating system software used by microprocessor <b>238</b> is preferably stored in a persistent store such as flash memory <b>224</b>, which may alternatively be a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system, specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into a volatile store such as RAM <b>226</b>.

p-0037Microprocessor <b>238</b>, in addition to its operating system functions, preferably enables execution of software applications on mobile station <b>202</b>. A predetermined set of applications which control basic device operations, including at least data and voice communication applications, as well as the inventive functionality of the present disclosure, will normally be installed on mobile station <b>202</b> during its manufacture. A preferred application that may be loaded onto mobile station <b>202</b> may be a personal information manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize and manage data items relating to user such as, but not limited to, e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally, one or more memory stores are available on mobile station <b>202</b> and SIM <b>262</b> to facilitate storage of PIM data items and other information.

p-0038The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive data items via the wireless network. In the present disclosure, PIM data items are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via the wireless network, with the mobile station user's corresponding data items stored and/or associated with a host computer system thereby creating a mirrored host computer on mobile station <b>202</b> with respect to such items. This is especially advantageous where the host computer system is the mobile station user's office computer system. Additional applications may also be loaded onto mobile station <b>202</b> through network, an auxiliary subsystem <b>228</b>, serial port <b>230</b>, short-range communications subsystem <b>240</b>, or any other suitable subsystem <b>242</b>, and installed by a user in RAM <b>226</b> or preferably a non-volatile store (not shown) for execution by microprocessor <b>238</b>. Such flexibility in application installation increases the functionality of mobile station <b>202</b> and may provide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions, or both. For example, secure communication applications may enable electronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions to be performed using mobile station <b>202</b>.

p-0039In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a text message, an e-mail message, or web page download will be processed by communication subsystem <b>211</b> and input to microprocessor <b>238</b>. Microprocessor <b>238</b> will preferably further process the signal for output to display <b>222</b> or alternatively to auxiliary I/O device <b>228</b>. A user of mobile station <b>202</b> may also compose data items, such as e-mail messages, for example, using keyboard <b>232</b> in conjunction with display <b>222</b> and possibly auxiliary I/O device <b>228</b>. Keyboard <b>232</b> is preferably a complete alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. These composed items may be transmitted over a communication network through communication subsystem <b>211</b>.

p-0040For voice communications, the overall operation of mobile station <b>202</b> is substantially similar, except that the received signals would be output to speaker <b>234</b> and signals for transmission would be generated by microphone <b>236</b>. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as a voice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on mobile station <b>202</b>. Although voice or audio signal output is preferably accomplished primarily through speaker <b>234</b>, display <b>222</b> may also be used to provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information, as some examples.

p-0041Serial port <b>230</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is normally implemented in a personal digital assistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization with a user's desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component. Serial port <b>230</b> enables a user to set preferences through an external device or software application and extends the capabilities of mobile station <b>202</b> by providing for information or software downloads to mobile station <b>202</b> other than through a wireless communication network. The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load an encryption key onto mobile station <b>202</b> through a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to thereby provide secure device communication.

p-0042Short-range communications subsystem <b>240</b> of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an additional optional component which provides for communication between mobile station <b>202</b> and different systems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. For example, subsystem <b>240</b> may include an infrared device and associated circuits and components, or a Bluetooth™ communication module to provide for communication with similarly enabled systems and devices. Bluetooth™ is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

p-0043Turning now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the mobile device <b>24</b> displays a home screen <b>134</b>, which is preferably the active screen when the mobile device <b>24</b> is powered up and constitutes the main ribbon application. The home screen <b>134</b> generally comprises a status region <b>138</b> and a theme background <b>140</b>, which provides a graphical background for the display <b>120</b>. The theme background <b>140</b> displays a series of icons <b>136</b> in a predefined arrangement on a graphical background.

p-0044In some themes, the home screen <b>134</b> may limit the number icons <b>136</b> shown on the home screen <b>134</b> so as to not detract from the theme background <b>140</b>, particularly where the background <b>140</b> is chosen for aesthetic reasons. The theme background <b>140</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> provides a grid of icons. In other themes (not shown), a limited list of icons may be displayed in a column (or row) on the home screen along one portion of the display <b>120</b>. In yet another theme, the entire list of icons may be listed in a continuous row along one side of the home screen on the display <b>120</b> enabling the user to scroll through the list while maintaining a limited number of currently visible icons on the display <b>120</b>. In yet another theme (not shown), metadata may be displayed with each of a limited number of icons shown on the home screen. For example, the next two appointments in the user's calendar may be accessed by the processor <b>238</b> and displayed next to the calendar icon. It will be appreciated that preferably several themes are available for the user to select and that any applicable arrangement may be used.

p-0045One or more of the series of icons <b>136</b> is typically a folder <b>150</b> that itself is capable of organizing any number of applications therewithin.

p-0046As can be seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the status region <b>138</b> in this embodiment comprises a date/time display, and signal strength and incoming message identifiers such as the instant messenger balloon <b>144</b> shown. The instant messenger balloon <b>144</b> indicates the presence of and number of incoming instant messages for active or new conversations. The theme background <b>140</b>, in addition to a graphical background and the series of icons <b>136</b>, also comprises a status bar <b>146</b>. The status bar <b>146</b> provides information to the user based on the location of the selection cursor <b>132</b>, e.g. by displaying a name for the icon <b>136</b> that is currently highlighted.

p-0047Movement, navigation, and/or scrolling with use of a cursor/view positioning device <b>122</b> (e.g. trackball <b>122</b><i>b </i>or scroll wheel <b>122</b><i>a</i>) is beneficial given the relatively large size of visually displayed information and the compact size of display <b>120</b>, and since information and messages are typically only partially presented in the limited view of display <b>120</b> at any given moment. As previously described, positioning device <b>122</b>—scroll wheel <b>122</b><i>a </i>and trackball <b>122</b><i>b</i>, are helpful cursor/view positioning mechanisms to achieve such movement. Positioning device <b>122</b>, which may be referred to as a scroll wheel or scroll device <b>12</b><i>a </i>in one embodiment (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>), specifically includes a circular disc which is rotatable about a fixed axis of housing and may be rotated by the end user's index finger or thumb. As noted above, in another embodiment (<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) the trackball <b>122</b><i>b </i>comprises a multi-directional member that enables upward, downward and if desired, diagonal movements. The multi-directional movements afforded, in particular, by the trackball <b>122</b><i>b </i>and the presentation of the grid of icons <b>136</b> and folders <b>150</b> provides the user with flexibility and familiarity of the layout of a traditional desktop computer interface. Also, the positioning device <b>122</b> enables movement and selection operations to be executed on the mobile device <b>24</b> using one hand. The trackball <b>122</b><i>b </i>in particular also enables both one-handed use and the ability to cause the cursor <b>132</b> to traverse the display <b>120</b> in more than one direction.

p-0048As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, memory <b>224</b> includes a plurality of programs <b>426</b> associated with the series of icons <b>36</b> for the processing of data. Programs <b>426</b> may be any variety of forms such as, without limitation, software, firmware, and the like and include an application and any necessary memory allocation or pointers to associated memory. Programs <b>426</b> may include, for example, an instant messaging program <b>436</b>, electronic mail (e-mail) <b>432</b>, calendar program <b>434</b>, profiles application <b>428</b>, contacts <b>430</b>, messages <b>438</b>, search <b>440</b> etc. An operating system (OS) <b>432</b> also resides in memory <b>224</b>. The mobile devices <b>24</b> of the present disclosure are also configured to enable communication between different ones of the programs/applications, e.g. between contacts program <b>430</b> and the email program <b>432</b> or instant messaging program <b>436</b>. Also, the icons <b>136</b> for the applications on the devices <b>24</b> can be modified, named, moved, sorted and otherwise interacted with for the purposes of organizing and/or manipulating the visibility of the icons for those programs <b>426</b>.

p-0049As an example, the instant messenger program <b>436</b> may be initiated (opened or viewed) from display <b>120</b> by highlighting an instant messenger icon <b>148</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> using the positioning device <b>122</b> and providing a suitable user input to the mobile device <b>24</b>, e.g. by pressing the trackball <b>122</b><i>b. </i>

h-0006Instant Messaging on Mobile Device

p-0050The mobile device <b>24</b> can be configured to be utilized for instant messaging or chat sessions, e.g., using a personal identification number (PIN) messaging system. It will be appreciated that the following principles may also be applied to a short message service (SMS) based messaging system or any other “instant” chat-type messaging services.

p-0051In the following embodiment shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a PIN-based messaging system is implemented using a server-based communication infrastructure, such as one that provides email, SMS, voice, Internet and other communications. In <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a network operating centre (NOC) <b>280</b> facilitates instant messaging. Instant messaging is provided by an instant messaging program <b>436</b> stored on mobile device <b>24</b> which is initiated from the home screen <b>134</b> by highlighting and selecting the instant messaging icon <b>148</b>. The NOC <b>280</b> relays messages between mobile devices <b>24</b> according to a PIN-to-PIN protocol <b>283</b>.

p-0052An instant message is generally denoted by numeral <b>40</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. As noted above, in this embodiment, the message <b>40</b> is a PIN-based message. In a PIN-based messaging protocol <b>283</b>, each message <b>40</b> has associated therewith a PIN number corresponding to the mobile device <b>24</b> which has sent the message <b>40</b> and includes a destination PIN number identifying the intended recipient.

p-0053In general, in a PIN based messaging protocol <b>283</b>, the sender of the message <b>40</b> knows the PIN of the intended recipient. This is preferably established when the two devices request to add each other to their respective contact or “buddy” lists. At the time of requesting new contacts, the two respective PIN numbers are exchanged via request e-mails which are preferably configured to be intercepted by the respective instant messaging applications <b>436</b> so as to not appeal in the message list or “inbox” of the user. Accordingly, the infrastructure shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6-10</figref> may be used as a transport medium to share PIN numbers between mobile devices <b>24</b>, after which, the mobile devices <b>24</b> (having stored the PIN numbers for their contacts) are able to exchange instant messages in instant messaging sessions or conversations via a PIN-to-PIN protocol <b>283</b>.

p-0054It can be appreciated that by using a message or email based method for provisioning the PIN numbers, the PIN numbers do not need to be revealed to other users and can be handled by the mobile devices <b>24</b> automatically. This also enables the instant messaging application <b>436</b> to update contact information immediately when the availability status of such information changes. This avoids the user having to update their contact lists manually.

p-0055When conducting an instant messaging session according to the embodiment shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the mobile devices <b>24</b> can communicate directly with the NOC <b>280</b> in a client based exchange where, similar to other peer-to-peer programs, an intermediate server is not required. A message <b>40</b> sent by one mobile device <b>24</b> is received by the NOC <b>280</b>, which obtains the PIN number for the intended recipient from a representation of the message <b>40</b> or from the message <b>40</b> itself. Upon obtaining the recipient's PIN number according to the PIN-to-PIN protocol <b>283</b>, the NOC <b>280</b> then prepares a copy of the message <b>40</b> or relays the received message <b>40</b> to the recipient according to the mobile device <b>24</b> associated with such PIN number. The NOC <b>280</b> typically also provides a delivery confirmation to the original sender, which may or may not be displayed to the user. The NOC <b>280</b> also typically holds onto messages <b>282</b> and delivers them once the destination mobile device <b>24</b> is within a certain range (e.g. within its ‘coverage’) and is actually able to receive the message <b>40</b>. The NOC <b>280</b> may choose to expire a message <b>40</b> if a certain waiting period lapses.

p-0056It will be appreciated that, as noted above, instant messaging can be implemented using any other suitable protocol such as SMS. In SMS, a message is transmitted to an SMC center (SMSC) within a carrier's infrastructure, and then delivered to the destination device. The SMSC would also be configured to hold onto messages and deliver then once the destination device is within coverage.

p-0057When initiating the instant messaging application <b>436</b>, an instant messaging interface screen <b>284</b> such as that shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> may then be displayed, which shows a list of current instant messaging sessions or conversations along with a list of the user's contacts. As can be seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>, a menu <b>286</b> can be initiated by activating a suitable input mechanism such as by selecting the trackball <b>122</b><i>b </i>or pressing the scrolling device <b>122</b><i>a</i>. The menu <b>286</b> comprises a “Start Conversation” option <b>288</b>, which can be selected using the appropriate input device <b>122</b> to initiate or begin an instant messaging session or conversation. Once the session or conversation has begun, if the user decides to exit the conversation for a period of time, the conversation will be added to the conversation list.

h-0007Using Subjects for Instant Messaging Sessions

p-0058Previous instant messaging programs typically included the latest message in the instant messaging session as an identifier for the conversation. As discussed above, this is not necessarily representative of the nature, progression or status of the conversation. When a user has multiple conversations pending with the same user, confusion can arise and may require considerable effort by the user to locate a particular conversation let alone specific messages therein. To assist the user in identifying or recognizing specific conversations (or portions thereof) and to facilitate later retrieval of specific information with such conversations, the following embodiments incorporate one or more subjects or subject lines into the instant messaging session by adding and displaying a subject tag <b>302</b> in the instant messaging conversation as will be explained below.

p-0059In general, the subject is specified by one of the users in the conversation and, when specified, a proposed subject or update for the subject may optionally be distributed to other users in the conversation. The other users can preferably view the subject when received and have the choice of accepting, ignoring or modifying the proposed subject. In this way, the users in the conversation can use the subject suggested by one of the users, negotiate an agreement for a subject line, or can choose to specify their own distinct and/or personal subject for the session or portion thereof.

p-0060As noted above, an instant messaging session is facilitated by an instant messaging program <b>436</b> in each mobile device <b>24</b>. Further detail of the instant messaging program <b>436</b> is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. As can be seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, selection of a conversation identifier <b>34</b> (e.g. by the user from the instant messaging homescreen <b>284</b> on display <b>120</b>) causes the processor <b>238</b> to initiate an instant messenger application <b>30</b> included in the instant messaging program <b>436</b>. The conversation identifier <b>34</b> has associated therewith a conversation ID <b>38</b>, which is typically linked to the ID <b>38</b> in the background. For the convenience of the user, as noted above, a subject identifier <b>36</b> is displayed with the conversation identifier <b>36</b>.

p-0061The instant messaging program <b>436</b> also stores instant messaging (IM) session threads <b>32</b>, which each also store a copy of a unique corresponding conversation ID <b>38</b> to enable the application <b>30</b> to access the specific thread <b>32</b> upon selection of the associated conversation identifier <b>34</b>. Each thread <b>32</b> also preferably stores a copy of a subject <b>36</b> if applicable. As can be seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, the program <b>436</b> stores a distinct thread <b>32</b> for each IM session, wherein the particular session can be accessed by the application <b>30</b> by con-elating a displayed conversation ID <b>38</b> with a conversation ID <b>38</b> stored with the thread <b>32</b>.

p-0062Further detail of the IM session threads <b>32</b> is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>. Each thread <b>32</b> is persisted in memory <b>224</b> (e.g. stored within program <b>436</b>) and stores a series of messages <b>40</b> in chronological order. In this way, the application <b>30</b> can access the thread <b>32</b> and load into the display <b>120</b> each message in the session history. Subject <b>36</b> are stored by the thread <b>32</b> to enable the instant messaging application <b>30</b> to display the subject <b>36</b> with the associated conversation <b>34</b>. As will be discussed below, more than one subject <b>36</b> may be associated with the conversation <b>34</b> and, as such, the multiple subjects <b>36</b> can be stored with the thread <b>32</b>.

p-0063Further detail of an example of a structure for the messages <b>40</b> is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>. Each message <b>40</b> generally comprises a body <b>42</b>, which contains the text for the message <b>40</b>, and a header <b>44</b>, which contains various fields used for transmitted and processing each message <b>40</b>. In this example, the header <b>44</b> includes a message type field <b>46</b> to specify the type of transmission (e.g. PIN, SMS etc.), a source field <b>48</b> to specify the device address for the sender, a destination field <b>50</b> to specify the device address for the intended recipient, a conversation ID field <b>52</b> to specify in which thread <b>32</b> the message <b>40</b> should be stored (i.e contains a copy of the conversation ID <b>38</b>), a subject field <b>54</b> to enable the subject <b>36</b> to be transported with the message <b>40</b> (e.g. to create new subjects, modify subjects, notify others of subjects, etc.), and a timestamp field <b>58</b> to indicate the time (and if desired, the date) at which the message <b>40</b> was sent by the designated sender.

p-0064As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the subject field <b>54</b>, in addition to carrying a copy of the current or proposed subject <b>36</b>, also includes a tag <b>56</b>. The tag <b>56</b> can be used to indicate to the instant messaging application <b>30</b>, upon receipt of a message <b>40</b>, whether or not a subject <b>36</b> should be displayed, whether a new subject <b>36</b> is being transported, or simply whether or not subjects <b>36</b> are being used in the particular conversation <b>34</b>. The tag <b>56</b> can have as many states as required to cover variations that are handled by the instant messaging application <b>30</b>. For example (as used below), the tag <b>56</b> may display an “S” to indicate that a new subject <b>36</b> is being carried with the message <b>40</b> being processed to trigger a display of the subject <b>36</b> to the user to enable them to accept, ignore or reject the subject. An empty tag <b>56</b> may then indicate that no new subject <b>36</b> is being carried. Alternatively, the tag <b>56</b> could include three states, namely one for no subjects <b>36</b>, a second indicating the current subject <b>36</b> with no changes, and a third indicating that a new subject <b>36</b> is being transported.

p-0065To transmit a new subject <b>36</b>, when a new subject <b>36</b> is specified by a user, a message <b>40</b> with an empty body <b>42</b> can be sent with the subject field <b>54</b> populated. In this case, the tag <b>56</b> can be used to enable the instant messaging application <b>30</b> to recognize that the message <b>40</b> is a ‘subject transport’ message <b>40</b> rather than one that contributes to the conversation <b>34</b>. Alternatively, the subject <b>36</b> could be added to the next message <b>40</b> that is sent by the user which defined the new subject <b>36</b> to save overhead. It can therefore be appreciated that incorporating a subject field <b>54</b> (preferably with a tag <b>56</b>) into the message <b>40</b> enables many flexible alternatives for specifying, transporting and identifying the subject <b>36</b> for a particular thread <b>32</b>.

p-0066Turning now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, an empty message <b>40</b> being prepared by a user Steve's mobile device <b>24</b> is shown. Once a conversation thread <b>32</b> has been initiated, the transport type field <b>46</b> is preferably pre-populated as shown, since the transport type, e.g. PIN, is already known the application <b>30</b>. However, it will be appreciated that if a conversation <b>34</b> is capable of comprising messages that are transported via multiple methods (e.g. to concatenate PIN and SMS messages into the same conversation <b>34</b>) then the transport type field <b>46</b> would be populated at the time of preparing the message <b>40</b> for transmission according to the application <b>426</b> in which the message <b>40</b> is prepared. Similarly, the source field <b>48</b> can be pre-populated given that the message <b>40</b> is being prepared by a particular mobile device <b>24</b>. In this example, Steve's mobile device <b>24</b> has a device address that equals 00001. According to the intended recipient, as indicated by the user during use of the instant messaging application <b>30</b>, the destination field may be populated with the recipient mobile device's address. In this example, the intended recipient is Richard, whose mobile device <b>24</b> has a device address equal to 00002.

p-0067The conversation ID field <b>52</b> is populated by reading the conversation ID <b>38</b> from the thread <b>32</b> or the ID <b>38</b> associated with the conversation identifier <b>34</b>. The subject field <b>54</b> is populated according to the way in which the instant messaging application <b>30</b> handles the transportation of subjects. In this example, a new subject is sent with the next message <b>40</b> and, when doing so, the tag <b>56</b> is set to “S”. This enables Richard's mobile device <b>24</b> to identify when the subject field <b>54</b> should be read. The actual text to be sent to Richard is also added to the body <b>42</b>. In this example, the message <b>40</b> being prepared by Steve is meant to say to Richard “How are you doing today”. It will be appreciated that the header <b>44</b> can be populated while Steve is typing his message, or once Steve indicates that the message <b>40</b> is to be sent. Before sending the message to Richard, the processor <b>238</b> accesses the date/time program (not shown) internal to the mobile device <b>24</b>, and adds the timestamp <b>58</b>. As can be appreciated, the items marked with a “*” in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> indicate user input.

p-0068The populated message <b>40</b>, as received by Richard is shown in the bottom portion of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>. It can be seen that Richard's mobile device <b>24</b> can examine the various fields in the header <b>44</b> to determine the nature of the message (e.g. is a subject being sent?) and can associate the message <b>40</b> with the corresponding thread <b>32</b> (or open a new thread <b>32</b>). The message <b>40</b> can be saved in chronological order using the timestamp <b>58</b>.

p-0069Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, a flow diagram of an example portion of an instant messaging session between Steve and Richard is shown. As can be seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, on each side of the transmission, steps performed external to the device (user interactions) are separated from those that are performed internally by the processor <b>238</b> and instant messaging program <b>436</b>.

p-0070At step <b>60</b>, a new conversation is created or an existing one is opened by Steve, and steps <b>62</b> and <b>64</b> involve Steve specifying a subject <b>36</b> and typing in text for the message <b>40</b> respectively. Where the subject <b>36</b> is transported in an empty message <b>40</b>, steps <b>62</b> and <b>64</b> are separate parallel operations. In this example, we will assume that Steve first specifies a subject <b>36</b> and then upon typing text for his next message <b>40</b>, the subject <b>36</b> is transported with the next message <b>40</b>. With the inputs from steps <b>62</b> and <b>64</b>, the instant messaging application <b>30</b> can build the message <b>40</b> at step <b>66</b>, e.g. as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>. A timestamp <b>68</b> is added at step <b>68</b>, and the instant message <b>40</b> is sent at step <b>70</b>.

p-0071The message <b>40</b> is received by Richard's mobile device <b>24</b> at step <b>72</b>. The instant messaging application <b>30</b> is then responsible for processing the message <b>40</b>. The conversation ID <b>38</b> is first examined at step <b>74</b> and the currently stored threads <b>32</b> are examined to determine if the message <b>40</b> is associated with an existing conversation <b>34</b> or if a new conversation <b>34</b> should be created. In either case, at step <b>76</b>, the conversation <b>34</b> is loaded/created and the text included in the body <b>42</b> is displayed to Richard at step <b>78</b>. At the same time (or once the text has been displayed), the instant messaging application <b>30</b> examines the subject tag <b>56</b> at step <b>80</b> to determine the state of the subject field <b>54</b> at step <b>82</b>. In this example, a new subject is being transmitted as indicated by the “S” state in the subject tag <b>56</b> and thus the new subject is displayed to Richard at step <b>86</b>. If subjects <b>36</b> are not being used, or if the subject has not changed (i.e. tag not equal to S), at step <b>84</b>, the instant messaging application <b>30</b> may wait for the next message to be received from Steve or typed by Richard. By displaying the new subject <b>36</b>, Richard may be given the option to accept, reject or ignore the subject <b>36</b> at step <b>88</b>. If Richard does not accept the subject, the instant messaging application <b>30</b> waits for the next message at step <b>84</b>. If Richard does accept the new subject <b>36</b>, the instant messaging application <b>30</b> adds the subject <b>36</b> to the thread <b>32</b> by both displaying the subject for Richard, and by storing a copy of the new subject in the program <b>436</b>. The instant messaging application <b>30</b> then waits for the next message at step <b>84</b>.

p-0072The beginning steps of the next message are also shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. It can be seen that a new subject can be input at step <b>92</b> and text entered for the message <b>40</b> at step <b>94</b>, similar to what was performed by Steve in steps <b>62</b> and <b>64</b>. Richard's mobile device <b>24</b> may then build the message at step <b>96</b> and the process continues as above.

p-0073The use of a subject or subject line in an instant messaging session is illustrated using screen shots in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14(</figref><i>a</i>) through <b>14</b>(<i>j</i>). <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>a</i>) shows an in-progress instant messaging session taking place between a pair of users, Richard and Steve. The instant messaging session is displayed in a chat window <b>288</b> with a contact bar <b>290</b> showing the name of the contact that the user is currently corresponding with. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>a</i>) shows Steve's chat window <b>288</b> as he is chatting/corresponding with Richard.

p-0074At a desired point in the conversation or session, a subject can be specified. This can also be done at the beginning of the session, in which case, the subject is thereafter modified or “updated” to reflect the changing nature of the session or conversation. Multiple subjects can also be associated with a single conversation, each being added at specific locations in the conversation.

p-0075As can be seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>a</i>), while waiting for Richard to respond with sales figures, Steve specifies (i.e. enters) a subject to flag this particular portion of the conversation. To specify a subject, a session menu <b>292</b> is first initiated by selecting the appropriate input mechanism.

p-0076The session menu <b>292</b> comprises a number of options for the session, such as a “Send” feature, which sends the next message by capturing the text that has been entered into the entry box <b>294</b> (can also be done by pressing an enter key, trackball <b>122</b><i>b </i>etc.); an “Invite” feature to add other contacts to the conversation; a “Send a File” option to attach files to a message; a “Contact Info” option to view more information on, e.g. Richard; an “Email” option for initiating an email correspondence; and a “Subject” option <b>296</b>.

p-0077The Subject option <b>296</b> can be selected to enable the user to enter a subject, topic or subject line identifying the session or at least a portion thereof. The subject is intended to be associated (e.g. displayed) with (or within) the session such that the user can later identify the nature of the conversation. As such, the subject may be displayed with the contact in the current conversations list (see <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 12 and 13</figref>). When multiple subjects are included in the same message, each subject may be displayed with the conversation, the most recent conversation may be displayed, or any number of subjects according to user preferences. For example, a conversation having three subjects covered during the session may list all three subjects along the right hand portion of the display <b>120</b> with the contact(s) associated with the conversation. This would enable the user to at first glance determine in which conversation a specific topic or subject was covered.

p-0078Due to the limited space available on a mobile device <b>24</b>, the instant messaging application <b>436</b> may be configured to display only the most recent subject or a maximum number of the most recent subjects in the conversation. If limited, the user may then simply select, enter or highlight the conversation to view the remaining subjects. It will be appreciated that the subject or topic associated with an instant messaging session may be displayed in many ways with the associated contact. For example, the time at which the subject was created can be specified with the subject label. In this way, the user can distinguish between different conversations having the same subject. The subjects could also be displayed as a list whereby the user could select a particular subject to expand into a view of the conversation (or portion thereof) corresponding to that subject (i.e. similar to a collapsible view in desktop explorer applications).

p-0079As can be seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>b</i>), by selecting the Subject option <b>296</b>, a subject entry window <b>298</b> may then be displayed within the session. The entry window <b>298</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>b</i>) comprises a text entry box <b>300</b> to enable the user to enter a string of characters to identify the appropriate subject. The user may then add the subject by selecting the appropriate input mechanism whereby a subject tag <b>302</b> is added to the session at the current point in the conversation as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>c</i>).

p-0080<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>d</i>) shows Richard's chat window <b>288</b>. The subject specified by Steve may be automatically designated as the subject for the session as a default, or the mobile devices <b>24</b> may require that Richard also accept the subject. As such, in one embodiment, the subject specified by Steve may be first considered a “Suggested Subject” until approved by Richard. In this scenario, once Steve has specified the subject “Q4 Sales data”, a suggested subject window <b>304</b> is displayed within Richard's chat window <b>288</b> as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>d</i>). The suggested subject window <b>304</b> comprises a copy of the subject specified by Steve in header <b>308</b>, and may provide a selection portion <b>306</b>. In this example, Richard may accept, modify or ignore (deny) the subject identifier. If Richard ignores or denies the subject, the subject tag <b>302</b> is not added to his chat window <b>288</b>. However, if Richard accepts the suggested subject, the subject tag <b>302</b> is added to his session, similar to on Steve's device as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14(</figref><i>c</i>) and <b>14</b>(<i>e</i>).

p-0081If Richard decides to modify the subject, a similar subject window <b>298</b> may be displayed to enable Richard to enter his desired modification. The window <b>298</b> may be displayed with the already specified subject or may include a blank entry box <b>300</b>. In one embodiment, a modification by Richard will only change the look of his subject tag <b>302</b>. In another embodiment, once Richard creates a modified subject, his mobile device <b>24</b> may then send his suggested modified subject back to Steve where negotiation of an agreed upon subject can take place. As such, modification of the subject can be symmetric or asymmetric such and negotiation of a subject is only a optional feature that may be included or be capable of being suppressed as desired. It can therefore be seen that the subject can be modified and adapted by each correspondent in the instant messaging session such that all parties can understand the subject to give the subject a personal meaning if desired. It will also be appreciated that for asymmetric subject specification, a subject update does not need to be sent to the other users and thus such an update is optional.

p-0082The subject or subject line specified by the user is now integrated into the instant messaging session. At the originating user, the subject tag <b>302</b> is embedded into the conversation at the point of being created. Alternatively, the subject may be inserted as a header in the chat window <b>288</b> or any other suitable location on the display <b>120</b> such that the user can readily ascertain the subject. In order to update the subject at the other user, the subject can be attached to a PIN message or be embodied as meta-data in the header field and may be given a special code in the message to identify it as a subject. In this way, the subject can be attached to and sent with the next message being sent to the other user. In another embodiment, the subject can be created and sent as a separate and distinct PIN message with a code or other information identifying it as a subject (e.g. in a header). At the other user's mobile device <b>24</b>, the instant messaging application <b>436</b> determines the content of the subject or subject line based on the code or other identifying information and then creates a subject tag <b>302</b> if the other user accepts or modifies the proposed subject. In this embodiment, the subject is inserted into the conversation as a new message but is given a unique appearance to distinguish it as a subject rather than a message. For example, the subject tag <b>202</b> may be given a border, time stamp and be user independent (e.g. not labelled with “Steve:” or “Richard:”) as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 14(</figref><i>c</i>), (<i>e</i>) and (<i>j</i>).

p-0083As can be seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>f</i>), current instant messaging sessions can be listed in an inbox or message list <b>310</b> similar to an email (outgoing or incoming) or text message. By specifying a subject, Steve can, at first glance, determine that the conversation with Richard covers at least in part, the Q4 sales figures. Since the conversation is listed in the message list <b>310</b>, a search option <b>312</b> that already exists for searching within the message list <b>310</b> can be utilized by selecting the search option <b>312</b> from a message list menu <b>314</b> using appropriate input mechanisms as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>g</i>).

p-0084By selecting the search option <b>312</b>, a search window <b>316</b> may then be displayed as seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>h</i>), which enables the user (e.g. Steve) to specify a subject. If the user wishes to search for a portion of an instant messaging session, they can search according to subject, e.g. by entering “Q4 Sales data”. As can be seen in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>i</i>), a search results screen <b>318</b> is then displayed listing those messages, conversations etc. including the specified subject. In this way, the user can search through conversations in the same way that they search for subjects in an email thereby utilizing existing searching capabilities.

p-0085As noted above, an instant messaging session may include multiple subjects within the same conversation. Turning now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14(</figref><i>j</i>), a second subject tag <b>320</b>, in this example for “Friday lunch”, can be inserted into the same session. By specifying multiple subjects, the user can distinguish between multiple topics covered during the same conversation. In this way, if Steve wishes to simply continue on chatting with Richard without stalling a new conversation, Steve may instead specify/suggest a new subject to begin a new topic. This enables further flexibility whereby Steve may wish to only have one active conversation with each contact. This way, Steve only needs to specify a new subject at each session while maintaining the previous conversation history. Moreover, if the mobile device <b>24</b> restricts the number of active conversations with the same party, the multiple subjects can allow the user to keep the conversation history without having to create a new session. It can be appreciated that the instant messaging application <b>436</b> can also be configured such that whereupon specifying a new subject for a conversation, a new conversation thread is created such that there are now two references to distinct conversations, each having their own subjects and both being searchable.

p-0086As also noted above, the most recent subject can be displayed with the conversation in the message list <b>310</b>, or multiple subjects may instead be displayed.

p-0087It can therefore be seen that instant messaging sessions can be better organized and identified by using at least one subject therein. The instant messaging sessions may then be displayed along with the subject to enable the user at first glance to ascertain some information about the topics or subjects covered in the session and/or to use existing searching capabilities for other types of messages stored on the mobile device <b>24</b>. A subject can be specified by one user and be sent as a suggested subject to the other users in the conversation. The other users may then be given the opportunity to accept or ignore the subject tag <b>302</b> or modify the subject to reflect something more meaningful to them. Alternatively, the suggested subject can trigger a negotiation between the users to agree upon a common subject if so desired.

p-0088It will be appreciated that the above principles regarding the utilization of subjects in an instant messaging application <b>436</b> should not be limited to only PIN-to-PIN protocols but may also be applied to SMS messages addressed to the phone number of the user's mobile device <b>24</b>. Similarly, the subject tags <b>302</b> can also be implemented with third party instant messaging applications compatible with the mobile device <b>24</b> such as Yahoo!® messenger etc. to enable the user to also use existing messaging communities that are not directly hosted by the NOC <b>280</b>. To implement the subjects with a third party messaging application, separate messages containing the subject can be created at the mobile device <b>24</b> that can be identified by another mobile device <b>24</b> as being a subject rather than a message. In this way, the subject can be displayed as such at the other mobile device <b>24</b>.

p-0089It will also be appreciated that the particular options, outcomes, applications, screen shots and icons shown in the figures and described above are for illustrative purposes only and many other variations can be used to implement the principles described above.

p-0090Although the above has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art as outlined in the appended claims.